The number 1 and number 14 teams in the nation face off week one in Atlanta. A new look Bama squad rolls in as the heavy favorite, looking to start a title defense off on the right foot. For Miami, electric QB D’eriq King returns and hopefully healthy. A win like this puts the U back on the map. How do these teams match up, and what chance if any does Miami have at pulling the upset?
For Bama, it’s a new team. A new QB, new receiving core, new key players on defense. However one thing remains the same, and that is Coach Nick Saban. Coach Saban has shown year after year that regardless of how many guys get drafted, he has the ability to reload and remain as relevant as ever. Last year we saw a new look from the Tide, with a star studded offense, and a less than stellar defense. With a new QB in Bryce Young, we could see Bama go back to being a defensive team. I think we see Alabama take a step back and that could be shown in this game.
For Miami and coach Rodriguez, it’s time to put up or shut up. King is a Heisman hopeful quarterback, who when healthy is as good as anyone in the country. The defense gets a year older and hopefully better. The Canes are looking to challenge Clemson for the ACC title this year, and have a great test here.
I think we see this game closer than people expect. Miami is going to put up some points against the Bama defense. Ultimately I think Alabam wins the game, but not in blowout fashion like many people think. Bama is a 19 point favorite, I think Miami keeps it much closer than that. I even think Miami money line at +800 is worth a sprinkle. But I love the U teased up to 25.
